| Pregnancy is a very special time for a woman but not | | | | learn the poses and it is imperative that you learn to do |
| all of the effects are good ones! Many of the typical | | | | them correctly. You should limit what you practice at |
| discomforts can be relieved by practicing yoga for | | | | home to what you have learned in class under |
| pregnant women. This ancient Indian form of exercise | | | | supervision. |
| offers a holistic approach to your well-being that will | | | | If you already practice yoga, then you should be able |
| relieve the tension of both mind and body. | | | | to find plenty of instructional information about which of |
| For women who were already practicing yoga prior to | | | | the poses you should focus on during pregnancy. If |
| pregnancy, yoga for pregnant women will help them | | | | you are in doubt as to which style of yoga will work |
| stay fit during and after the pregnancy. There are | | | | the best for you, talk to a certified yoga teacher for |
| numerous poses that are used in yoga and each has | | | | advice. Different styles focus on the different areas of |
| its own benefits and targets specific areas. Performing | | | | the body including the glandular and nervous systems, |
| the poses that target the right areas during pregnancy | | | | and the muscular-skeletal system. |
| can help you get through the entire nine months with | | | | If you are a beginner, then you should always talk with |
| only minimal discomfort. It will even help you during and | | | | your doctor before beginning any exercise program |
| after the birth of your baby. | | | | and you should start slowly. If you don't feel |
| Experts agree that women who practice yoga for | | | | comfortable doing any of the poses, whether you are |
| pregnant women during their pregnancy appear to be | | | | a beginner or pro, then don't do it any more. You |
| both happier and healthier. The added flexibility of their | | | | should stop doing those poses that require you to |
| bodies aids them in labor and they can experience less | | | | engage the tummy muscles early on. Any time that |
| labor pain. The poses of yoga stretch your muscles | | | | you feel nauseous or experience any pain, stop and |
| and also the other soft tissue including ligaments and | | | | call your physician immediately. |
| tendons so that your body is prepared for the birthing | | | | Yoga for pregnant women uses many of the poses |
| process. | | | | that are practiced at any other stage of your life but |
| Other benefits of doing yoga for pregnant women | | | | there are differences. Don't expect your balance to be |
| include: | | | | the same and don't try to accommodate your body |
| A boost in circulation. | | | | into a position that is no longer reasonable to attain. |
| Relief from associated aches and pains. | | | | The abdomen is one area that you don't want to put |
| Helps to reduce fluid retention that is common | | | | any pressure or strain on and you should eliminate |
| during pregnancy. | | | | those poses even if you have used them for years as |
| Improves posture to eliminate back problems that | | | | part of your regular workout. You should also take |
| can result from pregnancy. | | | | care not to overstretch since ligaments become |
| Teaches breathing techniques that are useful | | | | naturally looser around the joints during pregnancy. |
| during delivery. | | | | If you take care and practice yoga for women that |
| If you start yoga for pregnant women and have never | | | | are specifically pregnant women, you can enjoy a |
| taken yoga before, it is important to start classes with | | | | more comfortable pregnancy and delivery with your |
| a certified instructor to supervise you. You will need to | | | | baby! |